Rhône Theme
Timed Online Auction, 2 - 12 February 2024
Rhône | International & South African offering
About the SessionThe first sale of the 2024 Strauss & Co Fine Wine Auction calendar is an exciting Rhône valley and Rhône-style offering and has fast-become one of the most popular at Strauss & Co Fine Wine Auctions.
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About this Item
With a history stretching back further than most domaines in the appellation, Delas Frères is considered one of the Rhône’s top producers. The domaine was formed in 1835 by Philippe Delas and Charles Audibert when they purchased Maisons Junique. Passed down the Delas family, by the 1960s, the estate had grown to include holdings in Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Cornas and Condrieu as well as in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In 1993, Delas Freres was taken over by Louis Roederer. Today, Delas Frères is most recognised for its Syrah-based wines from the Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie and Crozes-Hermitages appellations.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘Showing similar to last year, the 2003 Hermitage Marquise de la Tourette is a beautiful Hermitage that offers classic currants and plum nuances to go with spice, chocolate, wood smoke and charcoal on the nose. Harvested August 19-29 (harvest here normally stretches into October if that gives you any inclination of the vintage), it's full-bodied, rich, textured and balanced, with solid purity of fruit and sweet tannin. Drink it anytime over the coming 10-15 years.’ – Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate, 95/100 (Sep 2015)
'Dark purple. Dark berry preserves, cherry pit, licorice and peppery spices on the mineral-laced nose. Densely packed and lively, offering pliant blackcurrant and bitter cherry flavors that are sweetened by notes of mocha and vanilla. Chewy tannins contribute grip to the finish, which clings with impressive tenacity and clarity.' - Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 93/100 (Mar 2014)
‘Fresh and racy, with lots of red currant and raspberry fruit backed by a strong, minerally spine. Darker toast, spice and fruit notes emerge on the finish, but this stays remarkably fresh and open throughout. Deftly done. Drink now through 2020.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (May 2006)
‘Young and intense on the nose, where dried black-currant aromas pick up hints of chocolate and espresso. This is full-throttle ripe, with lush fruit, great body, soft tannins and good length on the finish. Drinkable now, but should develop more nuance in another 5 years and last at least until 2015.’ – Joe Czerwinski, Wine Enthusiast, 91/100 (Nov 2006)